Re: "African American Day" and "Women's Day"
IN THE MATTER OF PROPOSED INITIATIVE TO AMMEND THE MISSISSIPPI CONSTITUTION OF 1890 RELATING TO AFRICAN AMERICAN DAY AND WOMEN'S DAY;
1. The last day of February is declared to be African American day in honor, recognition and commemoration of the legacy of contributions to the State of Mississippi that have been made by American Citizens of African descent. This day shall be a day of recognition and commemoration and shall be recognized as a legal state holiday.
2. August 26th is declared to be Women's Day in honor, recognition and commemoration of the legacy of contributions to the State of Mississippi that have been made by American women. This day shall be a day of recognition and commemoration and shall be recognized as a legal state holiday.
ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
The amount and source of revenue to implement the Initiative would be comparable to the same benefits as any legal state holiday in Mississippi. Once adopted it could cost the State 12.3 million dollars for each holiday. The money will be paid from the State's general fund and special fund.

Proposed Ballot Title:

Should the Mississippi Constitution be amended to provide for an African-American Day and a Women's Day?

Proposed Ballot Summary:

Initiative #39 would amend the Mississippi Constitution to provide that the last day in February be declared African-American Day in honor, recognition and commemoration of the legacy of contributions to Mississippi made by American citizens of African descent, and, that August 26th be declared to be Women's Day in honor, recognition, and commemoration of the legacy of contributions to Mississippi made by women. Both days it shall be recognized as legal holidays.

The official ballot title and ballot summary for an initiative measure are prepared by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Initiative measures are valid for one year. During this one-year period, a petition may be circulated to place the measure on the next statewide general election ballot to allow the voters of Mississippi to determine whether the measure should become a part of the Mississippi Constitution. According to Mississippi law, for an initiative measure to be placed on the ballot, a minimum of 107,216 certified signatures must be gathered, with at least 21,443 certified signatures from each of the five congressional districts as they existed in the year 2000. This required number of signatures represents twelve percent (12%) of the total number of votes cast for Governor in the last gubernatorial general election. Signatures must be certified by county circuit clerks as belonging to registered voters in Mississippi. A completed petition should be filed with Secretary of State, together with a filing fee of $500.00. For more information on the initiative process in Mississippi, consult the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, Section 273, and Mississippi Code Annotated §§ 23-17-1 through 23-17-61 (1972).